top of page
A hardwood lumber grader inspects boards.

Job Opening Detail

Lumber Inspector

Hartzell Hardwoods

Lumber Inspector

Hartzell Hardwoods

Piqua, OH

Position Description

Reports to Lumber Operations Supervisor and receives written and/or verbal orders/specifications. It is the Lumber Inspector/Trainee’s responsibility to maintain the highest standards of grading when receiving or shipping lumber.
Climbs stairs onto grading platform. Visually inspects lumber according to specie, grade and dimension. Uses NHLA lumber grading rules to inspect lumber while sitting on an automated grading deck.

This position operates and controls the Lumber Handling Machine from the grading deck platform. The employee must be aware of the manufacturing process and the safety hazards related to the machine’s operations.
The Lumber Trainee will grade offline, or with an experienced grader until they are qualified to grade at the accuracy and speed determined by Hartzell standards.

Must be able to operate a grade console and board turner.

May be required to do their own sorting setups before starting another run per sorting specifications. (e.g., vendors, kilns, etc).

Corrects any skews and situations that stop the lumber line from running. This may require getting off the grading deck and correcting the problem within their area.

All inspectors may be required to switch off with another lumber inspector. Lumber inspectors are required to work in another assigned position when they are not grading lumber.

Grades and tallies lumber at certain work stations to obtain surface measure and grade of the boards. Single boards are measured and tallied by making a dot on the tally sheet under correct column. Reports tallies to Team Leader or Supervisor who reports to the Lumber Office.

Determines total board footage by adding and multiplying tally columns.

During down times, other functions will be required. (e.g. clean-up, maintenance, stacking, etc.).

Follows all safety practices.

Required Skills & Experience

- Previous experience in grading walnut lumber along with other hardwoods species is desired.
- NHLA schooling is preferred but not mandatory.
- Long periods of sitting on grading deck. Occasionally turns boards weighing between 5 lbs. to over 60 lbs. using lumber grading rulers.
- Familiar with lumber grading rules, calculator, tally book, pencil, lumber crayon stick, grad console and board turner is plus.

Salary & Benefits

- Salary: $23/hr- $30/hr
- Major Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401K w/ Company Match
- Starting 2 weeks Vacation Time

How To Apply

Please send all questions, resumes & applications to:

Other Job Opportunities

Saw Filer

Company Overview:
Silver Leaf Sawmill is a family owned Hardwood Lumber producer serving the furniture, cabinet, molding and millwork segments nationwide. Our facility is located in Northern Michigan and has been in operation for over 30 years.

Job Summary:
We have an immediate opening for a Saw Filer to join our team, working 1st shift. The Saw Filer will grind, shape, and maintain band saws,...

July 23, 2026

Silver Leaf Sawmill

Elmira, MI 49730

Learn More

Lumber Grader

Responsible for the accurate inspection and grading of green hardwood lumber according to NHLA grading rules, with an emphasis on quality assurance.

This position also oversees the accurate sorting, stacking, and compiling of load quantities prior to customer shipment.

June 18, 2026

Bingaman & Son Lumber, Inc

St Marys, PA

Learn More

Lumber Grader

The Lumber Inspector is responsible for visually inspecting and grading hardwood lumber according to NHLA rules and guidelines. This role ensures lumber is accurately sorted, tallied, and moved through production efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Visually inspect, measure, and grade hardwood lumber to NHLA standards
Identify defects such as knots, splits, wane, checking, stain, and other...

June 8, 2026

Maple Ridge Hardwoods

Sterling Michigan

Learn More

bottom of page